Bosco, who was 9 ˝ years old when he died, was one of the most successful police dogs the agency has had. He helped seize more than $1 million in narcotics and more than $100,000 in drug money. He also helped arrest a number of criminals, according to Tampa police.

In 2008, Bosco helped apprehend a man wanted in a domestic disturbance.

Police chased the suspect to a home, 1309 Clifton St. Bosco found the suspect, Harold Osborne, hiding under the home.

Cpl. Jason Tkach, who was Bosco’s partner, told Osborne if he didn’t come out he’d send Bosco. Osborne didn’t come out, and Bosco went in. The dog found Osborne and bit him.

Tkach and another officer then went under the house and arrested Osborne.

In his pursuit of suspects, Bosco was punched and kicked but never deterred.

But the rigors of life as a police dog left Bosco with a back injury and at the age of seven years old the German shepherd retired in October 2010.

Outside of police work, Bosco entertained many students and adults at presentations and community events, police said.

“He proudly bridged the gap between the public and the police department and was always approachable and accepting of a pat on the head,” Tampa police said on its Facebook page.